Page 7 of Witch Way to the Diapers

As Sayer walked to his car, he felt lighter than he had in weeks. The situation was far from resolved, but for the first time since Dune’s death, he felt a glimmer of hope.

FOUR

The Whispering Willow B&B turned out to be a charming Victorian house with gingerbread trim and a sprawling garden. The proprietor, a kindly witch named Amaris, seemed to sense Sayer’s inner turmoil the moment he walked in.

“Oh, you poor dear,” she clucked, patting his arm. “You look like you could use some peace and quiet. I’ve got just the room for you – top floor with a view of the enchanted forest. The sunrise over those trees is simply magical.”

Sayer found himself smiling despite his jumbled emotions. “That sounds perfect, thank you.”

Once settled in his room, Sayer’s mind raced with the day’s events. The unexpected attraction to Fia, the realization that Vienna was thriving in Whispering Pines, the contents of Dune’s letter – it was all so much to process.

Needing to clear his head, Sayer took a walk. The streets of Whispering Pines were quiet at this hour, lit by old-fashioned lanterns that gave off a soft, magical glow. As he wandered, he found himself in front of a cheerful building with a sign proclaiming it to be “Hartley’s Brewery.”

The warm light and sounds of laughter spilling from inside drew him in. Sayer pushed open the heavy wooden door,stepping into a cozy taproom filled with the rich scent of hops and the low hum of conversation.

“Well, well, a new face!” a booming voice called out. A tall, broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard approached. “Welcome to Hartley’s. I’m Bram, the owner. What can I get for you, stranger?”

Sayer managed a small smile. “Whatever you recommend. I’m new in town and could use a good drink.”

Bram’s eyebrows rose. “New in town, eh? Well, pull up a stool and tell us all about it. We love a good story here at Hartley’s.”

Before Sayer could politely decline, he found himself being steered toward a table where four other men sat. They greeted him with friendly nods and curious glances.

“Gentlemen, we’ve got a newcomer,” Bram announced, sliding a frothy mug in front of Sayer. “This here’s our house special – Moonlit Meadow Ale. Brewed with a touch of fairy dust, it’ll lift your spirits right up.”

Sayer took a sip, pleasantly surprised by the crisp, slightly sweet flavor. “It’s excellent, thank you.” Sayer realized he was sitting with other shifters, but his nose was too filled with hops to distinguish which animals they were.

The man to his left, a rugged-looking fellow with piercing green eyes, extended a hand. “Arden Flynt, deputy sheriff. Welcome to Whispering Pines.”

Introductions went around the table. Besides Arden and Bram, there was Kade Blackwood, owner of the Lone Wolf Café, Reed Mallory, the town sheriff, and Roarke Easton, the town security expert. Sayer found himself relaxing in their company, the easy camaraderie reminding him of nights out with Dune.

“So, what brings you to our little magical corner of the world?” Roarke asked, his dark eyes sharp and assessing.

Sayer took another sip of his ale, considering how much to share. These men seemed trustworthy, and he found himself craving some male perspective on his situation.

“It’s... complicated,” he began. “My brother and his wife passed away recently, leaving behind their daughter – my niece. I came here intending to take custody of her, but...”

“But you met Fia Barlowe,” Kade finished, a knowing look in his eyes.

Sayer’s head snapped up. “You know her?”

Kade chuckled. “Small town, remember? Fia and Vienna came into the café just yesterday. Lovely woman, and that little girl of hers is a real firecracker.”

“Vienna isn’t hers, technically,” Sayer found himself saying. “She’s my niece too. Fia’s sister was my brother’s mate.”

Understanding dawned on the men’s faces. Bram let out a low whistle. “That’s quite a situation you’ve got there, friend.”

Arden leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “So, you came here to take the child, but something changed your mind?”

“I’d saysomeone, changed his mind.” Roarke gave him a questioning look.

Sayer nodded, running a hand through his hair. “I thought I knew what was best for Vienna. But seeing her with Fia in the home my brother and his wife chose... I’m not so sure anymore.”

“And there’s more to it, isn’t there?” Roarke asked quietly. His gaze was penetrating, and Sayer had the distinct impression that very little got past this man.

Sayer hesitated, then decided to take the plunge. These men clearly knew the town and its inhabitants well. Maybe they could offer some insight.

“When I met Fia,” he said slowly, “something... happened. My lion – the shifter part of me – it started declaring her as my mate.”

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